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GM Key and Smart Key Programming With or Without a Working Key

Updated 2026 6 vehicles 2017–2020

This procedure covers 6 Buick and Chevrolet vehicles from 2017 to 2020. Check that yours is listed below, then follow the steps.

Need the fob itself?

Pick your vehicle to see replacement fobs on Amazon. Match the FCC ID on your old fob before you buy.

Not sure which fob is yours? Find your year below for the exact FCC ID and part number.

This GM vehicle comes in two ignition types — match yours: a regular key ignition (transponder or flip key) or push-button start (smart key). Each has a method for two working keys and one for when you have one or none.

Before you start

  • All your keys — working and new — with you
  • The new key cut beforehand

Regular ignition — with two working keys

  1. 1Insert an already-programmed key and turn to ON/RUN.
  2. 2Turn to LOCK/OFF and remove the key.
  3. 3Within 5 seconds, insert the second programmed key and turn to ON/RUN.
  4. 4Turn to LOCK/OFF and remove the key.
  5. 5Within 5 seconds, insert the new key and turn to ON/RUN. The security light goes out once it's programmed.
  6. 6Repeat from step 1 for additional keys (up to 8 total).

Regular ignition — with one or no working key

Takes about 30 minutes. Not available in Canada.

  1. 1Insert the new key and turn to ON/RUN — the security light comes on.
  2. 2Wait 10 minutes until the security light goes out.
  3. 3Turn to LOCK/OFF.
  4. 4Repeat the ON/RUN, 10-minute wait, and OFF two more times. After the third, turn to ON/RUN — the new key is programmed and all previous keys stop working.
  5. 5To program a second key, turn OFF, insert it, and turn to ON/RUN. For more, use the two-working-keys method above.

Push-button start — with two working smart keys

  1. 1Remove the emergency key blade from one of the working smart keys.
  2. 2Place both working smart keys in the cupholder.
  3. 3Insert the emergency key blade into the driver's-door lock cylinder and turn counterclockwise to unlock five times within 10 seconds. The display shows READY FOR REMOTE #2.
  4. 4Place the new smart key in the transmitter pocket — center console for Cadillac, front cupholder for Chevrolet, GMC, and Buick.
  5. 5Press ENGINE START/STOP. When recognized, the display is ready for the next key.
  6. 6Take the key out and press Lock or Unlock on it. To add more, repeat the last three steps, then press and hold ENGINE START/STOP about 12 seconds to exit.

Push-button start — with one or no smart key

About 30 minutes; not available in Canada. With no working key, have the new blade cut by a locksmith first.

  1. 1Remove the key blade from your existing or new smart key and insert it into the driver's-door lock cylinder. Turn counterclockwise to unlock five times within 10 seconds. The display shows READY FOR REMOTE.
  2. 2Wait about 10 minutes until it reads PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO LEARN, then press ENGINE START/STOP (it shows REMOTE LEARN PENDING).
  3. 3Repeat that sequence two more times. After the third, all previous keys stop working and the display shows READY FOR REMOTE #1.
  4. 4Place the new smart key in the transmitter pocket, press ENGINE START/STOP, then take it out and press Lock or Unlock.
  5. 5To add another key, repeat the last step's actions, then press and hold ENGINE START/STOP about 12 seconds to exit.

Which fob does your vehicle take?

These steps program a fob to your car — they can't tell you which fob to buy, and one that isn't the right part for your vehicle will not pair no matter how carefully you follow them. Find your vehicle below: tap your year for the exact fob it takes — FCC ID, OE part number and battery — or "Shop fobs" to browse replacements for that model.

Find your vehicle

Vehicles this procedure covers

These steps apply to the 6 vehicles below — 3 models across 2 makes. Tap a year for that exact vehicle's fob details — FCC ID, part number and battery — or "Shop fobs" to browse replacements for that model on Amazon.

Every year, make and model this key fob programming procedure applies to
Make Model Years covered
Buick Encore Shop fobs for the Buick Encore on Amazon
Buick Regal Shop fobs for the Buick Regal on Amazon
Chevrolet Sonic Shop fobs for the Chevrolet Sonic on Amazon

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Rather pay someone to do it?

What a locksmith or dealer charges to program a fob, and what a lost key costs to replace outright:

Key fob programming cost Car key replacement cost

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